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Bill Gates: Why I'm a climate optimist
Bill Gates, the tech billionaire turned philanthropist, has been combating poverty, disease, and inequity around the world for decades. However, in recent years he has shifted focus and resources towards the climate crisis.Gates believes fighting climate change and fighting poverty are two sides of the same coin. Food, health and economic crises will last longer and become more severe as climate threats escalate, disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable communities.But the billionaire remains optimistic and believes the power of human ingenuity will win out with a technology-driven approach to reducing carbon emissions and dealing with the impact of global warming.In 2023, Graihagh Jackson sat down with Bill Gates to talk about his positive outlook and the billions he’s investing in tackling climate change.Email us: [email protected]: Graihagh Jackson Producer: Osman Iqbal Series producers: Alex Lewis and Simon Watts Editor: China Collins Sound engineers: James Beard, Graham Puddifoot and Tom Brignell
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How do we save the world's small islands?
From coral reefs and mangroves to raising the land itself, how small island nations are using natural and innovative techniques to adapt to rising sea levels and extreme weather events linked to climate change. Jordan Dunbar chats to Tina Stege, climate envoy for the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Dr. Rosanne Martyr, senior scientist on coastal vulnerability and adaptation, Climate Analytics. Plus, Anna Holligan, the BBC's correspondent in The Hague, has the latest on a landmark climate case brought by Pacific Islanders at the International Court of Justice.Got a comment or a question you’d like us to answer? Send an email to: [email protected] or whatsapp us on +44 8000 321 721 Presenter: Jordan Dunbar Producer: Diane Richardson Production Co-Ordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Engineers: Tom Brignell, Rohan Madison and Frank McWeeny Editor: Simon Watts
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Is the race for rare earths good for the planet?
Rare earths have been described as the oil of the 21st century, incredibly valuable both economically and in the fight against climate change. There's a battle underway around the world to mine and control these minerals - a battle that is currently being won by China. As demand rises, the problems with rare earths are also becoming clearer because getting them out of the ground requires strip mining and the use of poisonous chemicals.BBC China Correspondent Laura Bicker has seen this environmental impact first hand on a visit to the rare earth hubs of Bayan Obo in northern China and Guanzuo in the south. She's been speaking to locals about the benefits this booming industry brings and the damage that it can cause. BBC Climate and Science Reporter Esme Stallard also joins Jordan Dunbar to chat about why rare earths are so valuable and the state of greenhouse gas emissions in China. Plus, she's got an update on a climate satellite that's gone missing in space! Presenter: Jordan Dunbar Producers: Diane Richardson and Jordan Dunbar Production Co-Ordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Mix: Tom Brignell and Dave O'Neill Editor: Simon WattsGot a question you’d like us to answer? Send an email to: [email protected] or whatsapp us on +44 8000 321 721
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Will climate change affect my holiday?
Could changing weather patterns due to climate change make a difference to where and when we travel, or to the cost of our holidays? It was the hottest June on record for Western Europe, according to the EU’s climate service, Copernicus. And the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that heatwaves in Europe will become more frequent, more intense and longer-lasting. Extreme heat and drier weather can lead to wildfires, while retreating snow lines can put pressure on winter skiing trips. For their part, popular destinations in the Caribbean and the Pacific face another challenge - from rising sea levels. Host Graihagh Jackson asks how holiday-makers and the travel industry can adapt to a changing climate. Contributors: Simon King, Lead BBC weather presenter and meteorologist Dr. Susanne Etti, Global Environmental Impact Manager at Intrepid Travel Stefan Gössling, Professor of Tourism Research, Linnaeus University, SwedenPresenter: Graihagh Jackson Producer: Diane Richardson Production Co-Ordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Mix: Tom Brignell and Dave O'Neill Editor: Simon WattsGot a question you’d like us to answer? Send an email to: [email protected] or whatsapp us on +44 8000 321 721
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Why are electric scooters, mopeds and rickshaws booming?
Delhi’s roads are being taken over by electric mopeds, scooters and rickshaws. More than fifty per cent of two- and three-wheelers are already electric, and the market is expected to continue growing. It’s good news for the fight against climate change. Why has the transition to green vehicles been so swift in India and what can the rest of the world learn from it?Graihagh Jackson speaks to reporter Sushmita Pathak, who’s been chatting to those who’ve made the switch to electric as well as those who haven’t.Akshima Ghate from the RMI Foundation and Louise Ribet of C40 cities explain why these small vehicles are so popular and what countries like India and others gain from encouraging electric uptake. From better air quality and healthier children to energy security and manufacturing expertise, there are many benefits beyond mitigating climate change. Got a comment or a question you’d like us to answer? Send an email to: [email protected] or whatsapp us on +44 8000 321 721 Presenter: Graihagh Jackson Producer: Ben Cooper Researcher: Octavia Woodward Production Co-Ordinator: Brenda Brown Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell Editors: Sophie Eastaugh and Simon WattsGot a question you’d like us to answer? Send an email to: [email protected]
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